Team India’s undefeated home Test series streak, which had lasted 12 years, recently came to a close, ending a reign of dominance that spanned 18 series. The decisive blow came in the Pune Test, where India lost to New Zealand by 113 runs. For over a decade, India’s spin attack, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, consistently delivered match-winning performances at home. Yet, in this series, things were different. The spotlight on Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah has illuminated some intriguing stats, shedding light on India’s first home series loss since 2012.
Ashwin’s Home Track Record: Consistency, Then a Sudden Dip
For the past 12 years, Ashwin’s off-spin prowess has helped India build an “impenetrable fortress” at home. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja allowed India to counter any opposition on Indian soil. But this time, Ashwin’s performance fell short of his usual standards, becoming a factor in India’s unexpected defeat.
In this series, Ashwin took only six wickets across four innings, with a bowling average of 43.50—one of his least effective displays on home soil. To put it in perspective, Ashwin’s worst bowling average at home was 52.64 during the 2012 series against England, the last time India lost a home Test series.
This connection between Ashwin’s stats and India’s rare home series losses is remarkable. Usually, Ashwin has delivered remarkable consistency at home, evidenced by his record over the past decade. But as the statistics suggest, the 2024 series against New Zealand became a rare moment when Ashwin couldn’t deliver his best.
Bumrah’s “New Zealand Effect”: A Surprising Coincidence
While Ashwin’s dip in performance this series has drawn attention, another unusual coincidence involves India’s star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. Before this recent series, Bumrah had faced New Zealand in three Test matches—two in New Zealand in 2020 and one in the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) final. India lost all three of those games.
In the latest series, Bumrah played both matches, and India suffered defeats in both, bringing Bumrah’s personal record against New Zealand to five losses in five games. Another notable detail: when New Zealand toured India in 2021, Bumrah was not part of the playing eleven, and India won that series 1-0.
While it’s an interesting coincidence, this pattern suggests that India has faced challenges when Bumrah is part of the squad against New Zealand in Tests. It also brings attention to how certain match-ups can affect a player’s performance and the team’s overall outcome.
Ashwin and Bumrah: Examining Their Impact on India’s Home Series Record
It’s essential to note that while these statistics add insight into individual performances, they don’t tell the whole story. Both Ashwin and Bumrah have been instrumental in many of India’s successes in various formats over the years. Ashwin, in particular, has been a key figure in home series wins, taking wickets in crucial situations and helping India secure victories time and again.
Bumrah, despite his unique “New Zealand effect,” has been a vital asset to Team India, especially in overseas series. His pace and accuracy have consistently posed challenges to opposing teams. His record against New Zealand may raise eyebrows, but he remains a valuable player whose contributions extend beyond a few matches.
The Role of Indian Batting Line-Up in the Defeat
Although much focus is on the bowling department, the root cause of India’s defeat in this series goes beyond just Ashwin and Bumrah. The batting line-up, which has been strong in recent years, didn’t perform up to expectations in crucial moments of the series. India’s struggles in putting up a solid score added pressure on the bowlers, who faced an uphill task defending smaller totals.
In the Pune Test, India’s batting collapse set the stage for New Zealand’s victory. A series of low scores meant the bowlers had fewer runs to defend, allowing New Zealand to capitalize on India’s weakened defense.
India’s Future Strategy: Building on Lessons from the Series
As India’s streak of 12 years and 18 consecutive home series wins comes to an end, it’s an opportunity to review and rebuild for the future. The Indian team has dominated world cricket for over a decade, and the recent defeat could motivate players to sharpen their skills and strategies.
For Ashwin, refining his bowling approach could help him counter challenging situations. His contributions to Indian cricket remain significant, and a single underwhelming series shouldn’t overshadow his legacy. Bumrah, too, may look to turn around his luck against New Zealand, adapting his tactics for future matches.
India’s batting line-up, however, may require deeper adjustments. Consistency in scoring is essential for victory, especially in tight contests where every run counts. Identifying key areas for improvement in batting could help India come back stronger in upcoming series.
